why does my pop email account keep setting up as an IMAP account on my 4S?

It could be that it detects that imap is possible. If it is possible, it's a much better way to go than POP.

However, here is what has worked for me in the past. When it asks you your email address and password - put in the wrong password. It will then give you the option to set up as a POP or IMAP account.

I tried that but it just returns with incorrect password and asks me to enter the IMAP password