The ESC doesn't do anything to limit the current. No amount of changing settings is going to fix this problem.

You tried less pitch and it's still getting hot. Obviously you didn't try "less enough." If the motor is still getting hot, that means either the motor is broken, or the prop is still too big. Make sure the motor isn't damaged, and keep trying smaller and smaller props.

If you can beg, borrow, or steal a Whattmeter from a flyer friend, get it and hook it up so you can see how many Amps you're drawing. If the meter says you're drawing more than the rated Amps for the motor, ESC, or battery, keep trying smaller props until everything is running within limits.

Unfortunately, if you keep overheating the motor, you're going to damage it, and reducing the prop size won't help at that point.