Microsoft Account still required with Intune?

I posted a related question a few days ago, but have gotten no responses.

I'm trying to set up roughly 15 Windows Phones in Intune.  I'm a complete noob to Intune, and a bit confused.  If I create a policy that whitelists ceratin apps, it seems that I still can't download those apps unless the phone is linked to a Microsoft Account.  I was hoping that the use of Intune would mean I didn't need to create and attach each device to an account.  The end-users of these devices are field construction workers that will not need the use of most apps, and have no need to have direct access to a Microsoft Account for any reason.

If anyone can give me some help on this, I'd appreciate it.