Yes, an unsuitable drying treatment can affect an item even when its wash stage was appropriate. Washing permission and drying permission are separate care instructions.
Understanding this situation
The risk depends on the textile and chosen programme; a label allowing a particular wash temperature does not authorise unrestricted heated drying. A continuous cycle can conceal that distinction because both stages share one control sequence.
A useful next step
Check both symbols before loading and remove incompatible pieces after a wash-only cycle. Keep the garment label and the complete settings if damage occurs. Do not attribute shrinkage to the wash heater without considering the later drying stage.
Manuals and supporting guidance
Model-specific instructions take priority. These references support the practical principles discussed here; they do not diagnose your appliance.