diff --git a/bootstrap/crds/main.tf b/bootstrap/crds/main.tf
index 4e35f15..000375e 100644
--- a/bootstrap/crds/main.tf
+++ b/bootstrap/crds/main.tf
@@ -83,7 +83,6 @@ resource "kubernetes_manifest" "customresourcedefinition_kupoports_demeter_run"
                   }
                   "required" = [
                     "network",
-                    "operatorVersion",
                     "pruneUtxo",
                     "throughputTier",
                   ]
diff --git a/operator/src/controller.rs b/operator/src/controller.rs
index 910bdea..078e2ac 100644
--- a/operator/src/controller.rs
+++ b/operator/src/controller.rs
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@ impl Context {
     "#)]
 #[serde(rename_all = "camelCase")]
 pub struct KupoPortSpec {
-    pub operator_version: String,
+    pub operator_version: Option<String>,
     pub network: String,
     pub prune_utxo: bool,
     pub throughput_tier: String,