I think you need to seek counselling. I don't say this sarcastically, I say that seriously.

The fact that you stated:

"Since we started living together 2 years before marrying we had agreed that neither one of us would give out our phone numbers to the opposite sex unless it was absolutely necessary and we would first consult with one another." -

Is exceptionally alarming.

That is not a "normal" boundary for a relationship to have to seek "permission" to get the opposite sex's number.

Sounds like there were a lot of trust / jealousy issues prior to this. And I don't know where it's stemming from.

Maybe he relented in the beginning because of your jealousy and just said that. Or maybe you pushed him to say that.

Where is all of this coming from?

I sure as hell would not ask my partner for "permission" to get a male friend's number. And nor should I.