@György-Farkas It is a problem, since my client wants to to turn the AP off when the user is not configuring the IoT device, and other products allow this. The hidden SSID is a work around that is likely to be OK, but is not the proper fix. Even as a hidden SSID, it is still broadcasting and adding an extraneous AP to an already crowded WiFi spectrum.
I don't understand why this is a limitation? Either driver should provide such a feature. Another project using a Marvell chip has no problem turning of the AP while leaving STA mode operational.
With the number of inquiries about this request, it seems like a reasonable feature request for a future version of the drivers.