I think hard as it will be it's going to be best to give him that space he's asked for, if you think of this as being an action of love and respect for him it might help you feel more positive about that.

Have you read about attachment styles? This could help you understand why you felt compelled to do what you did to pull his attention back to you and be what you describe as needy. We all have different attachment styles and it can impact on our relationships in different ways. It doesn't mean you're a bad person or anything like that but if you understand more about your attachment style you can be aware of feelings and impulses you have.

But for now I would give him.that space and if you've already apologised you've done the best thing you can do.