Can't recall title for SF short story...

[gradycam]

The plot went something like aliens visited earth and decided earthlings thought they were God and had too much power. Aliens invoked a device that prevented compression above a certain amount, preventing detonations, gunshots, gas engines, ... Earth came up with defense devices that made an end run around the disabling technology. When the aliens came back around, Earth forced their retreat, saying those aliens thought they were God and had too much power. I read the story in about 1969, 1970, something like that as part of a collection in a book. Thanks in advance for any and all help.