Removal of Sim Card

I tried to remove the SIM card out of my IPhone 11 Pro Max. I am returning it and do not remember if Best Buy took the SIM card out.

I did watch a video on how to correctly remove the card. My problem is, I could not get the little slot to open. I did not have the proper tool so I tried several things. I clicked on to another video on how to remove the card to make sure I was doing it right. This other video said do not inject anything too sharp as it can damage the opening. Now I am all upset thinking I have damaged my phone. I couldn’t get it to open with an earring so I used a needle and a safety pin. Did I mess my phone up??? I tried opening it with my phone off and then on. Can anyone help me???